CHEPSTOW'S country market is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

After a turbulent existence, which has seen it grace around ten different locations, the current crop of sellers are happy to have found a permanent home in the Palmer Community Centre, celebrating their 60th anniversary this month with a slice of cake they are adept at making.

Formerly Chepstow Country women's market, it was started in 1951, when gardeners and cooks brought their goods to be sold under the Rose and Crown arch in Thomas Street.

Members later moved to the foyer of the Public Hall, a small room in Deacon's Florist and outside of the International Stores.

In 1984, a local newspaper reported how the market's members had two weeks to find a new home, as they were no longer welcome at the King's Head Hotel.

They later moved outside Peacocks, where sellers celebrated their 40th anniversary, but they are now happy to have found stability at their current location.

Around 20 producers of preserves, cakes, vegetables and plants pay a share to become a member of the co-operative and sell their goods on the first and third weekends of every month - on a Saturday they are based outside the Town Gate House.

One of the most loyal producers is eighty-year-old Joyce Morgan, who has clocked up more than 50 years of service in all weathers selling fruit cakes and sponges.

Another member, Jean Langley, 75, makes fruit tarts and supplies plants, flowers and vegetables.

"The only time we stop is when we can't get our vehicles out. In the bad weather we were on the street, up to our eyebrows in snow, but we carried on," she said.